JP2004361667A - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that makes it possible to early detach an exclusively attached development device and to provide an image forming system that has the image forming device. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus allows development with the development device attached to only one attachment/detachment part. In the image forming apparatus, in the rotating direction of a rotor to which the development device is attached, the position of the attached development device put in an access position is set between the position of the attached development device when the rotor is in a home position and the position of the attached development device when it is in a detached position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms a toner image on an image carrier by causing a developing device mounted on a rotatable rotating body to face the image carrier, and an image forming system including the image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
This type of image forming apparatus includes, for example, a plurality of developing devices that develop a latent image formed on a photoreceptor with toners of different colors contained therein. 2. Description of the Related Art A color printer including a rotary developing unit radially arranged at the center is known. Such a color printer is provided with an access unit for accessing a storage element for reading or writing various kinds of information with respect to a storage element provided in each of the mounted developing devices (for example, see Patent Reference 1).
[0003]
When the developing device mounted on the color printer is removed, the storage device of the developing device to be removed is accessed to read or write information, and then the developing device is removed. At this time, the developing device has a structure that can be removed only when the target developing device is at a predetermined position so that the developing device other than the target is not accidentally removed.
[0004]
For this reason, in the detaching operation of the developing device, in a standby state in which the image forming operation is not executed, when a removal command for detaching a predetermined developing device is received, the rotary developing unit is rotated in one direction. Thus, the target developing device is moved to the detachable position where the target developing device can be removed via the access position where the storage element of the target developing device can be accessed.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-341706
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, there is a case where it is desired to use a monochrome printer by mounting, for example, only black containing black toner on the color printer main body. The above-described color printer is based on the premise that a plurality of developing devices containing toners of different colors from each other are mounted and prints a color image in the first place, and the structure considering the state where only the black developing device is mounted is considered. is not. For this reason, for example, when the removal position is located downstream from the access position in the rotation direction of the development unit with respect to the position of the black development device in the standby state, when removing the black development device, , The developing unit must be rotated more than once. That is, even when only the black developing device is mounted on the developing unit, the developing unit may have to be rotated one or more rotations in order to remove the black developing device. There was a problem that it had to be wasted.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide an image forming apparatus capable of removing a mounted developing device more quickly and an image forming system including the image forming apparatus. It is to realize.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention mainly provides an image carrier for carrying a latent image, and a plurality of detachable portions to which a developing device for developing the latent image is detachably attachable and rotatable in one rotation direction. A rotating body, and an access unit for accessing a storage element provided in the developing device, and when waiting for execution of an image forming operation, the rotating body is located at a home position. And rotating the rotator from the home position in a state where the developing device is mounted on only one of the plurality of mounting / removing units, and mounting the developing device on the one mounting / removing unit. The latent image can be developed by causing a developing device to face the image carrier, and based on a removal command for removing the mounted developing device, the rotating body rotates in the rotation direction from a home position, Access section An image forming apparatus that moves to an access position where the storage device of the mounted developing device can be accessed, and after the access unit accesses the storage element, moves the mounted development device to a detachable removal position. In the rotation direction of the rotating body, the position of the mounted developing device when the rotating body is located at the home position, and the position of the mounted developing device when the rotating body is located at the removal position. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that a position of the mounted developing device when the developing device is located at the access position is set therebetween.
Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following description.
[0009]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The description of the detailed description of the invention in this specification makes it clear at least the following.
An image carrier for carrying a latent image, a rotating body having a plurality of detachable portions to which a developing device for developing the latent image can be attached and detached and rotatable in one rotational direction, and a storage element provided in the developing device The rotating body is located at the home position when waiting for execution of an image forming operation, and one of the plurality of attaching / detaching sections is attached / detached. In a state where the developing device is mounted only on the image forming member, the rotating body is rotated from the home position, and the mounted developing device mounted on the one attaching / detaching portion is opposed to the image carrier, and the latent member is rotated. An image can be developed, and based on a removal command for removing the mounted developing device, the rotating body rotates in the rotation direction from a home position, and the access portion is stored in the storage element of the mounted developing device. Access An image forming apparatus which moves to a possible access position, and after the access unit accesses the storage element, moves the mounted developing device to a detachable position where the developing device can be removed. Between the position of the mounted developing device when the rotating body is located at the home position and the position of the mounted developing device when positioned at the removal position, when the rotating body is positioned at the access position. An image forming apparatus is characterized in that the position of the mounted developing device is set.
[0010]
In such an image forming apparatus, when the rotating body rotates in one direction and moves from the home position to the removal position based on a removal command for removing the mounted developing device, , Must pass through the access position. For this reason, it is possible to access the storage element of the mounted developing device while the rotating body moves from the home position to the removal position, so that the rotation amount of the rotating body when removing the mounted developing device is reduced. Thus, the required time can be reduced.
[0011]
In such an image forming apparatus, it is desirable that the home position and the removal position are different.
According to such an image forming apparatus, the rotation amount of the rotating body when the rotating body rotates from the home position to the removal position can be made smaller than one rotation.
[0012]
In this image forming apparatus, the access unit is accessible by contacting the storage element, and the rotator stops when accessing the storage element.
While the access unit comes into contact with the storage element, it can be securely accessed.On the other hand, since the access operation requires time to stop the rotating body at the access position, the amount of rotation from the home position to the removal position is reduced. It is particularly effective to reduce the time spent removing the developing device.
[0013]
In such an image forming apparatus, it is preferable that a black developer is contained in the mounted developing device.
The black developer is particularly often used in a single color. For this reason, it is particularly effective to use the already-developed developing device as a developing device containing a black developer and to reduce the time spent for removing the already-developed developing device.
[0014]
In this image forming apparatus, it is preferable that a full-color image can be formed when the developing device is mounted on each of the plurality of attachment / detachment sections.
Even when a full-color image can be formed, the black developer is often used in a single color, and the frequency of replacement of the developing device is relatively high in many cases. For this reason, it is effective to reduce the time spent for removing the developing device containing the black developer.
[0015]
In this image forming apparatus, the one attachment / detachment unit is configured such that when the rotator is moved from the home position to the removal position in order to remove the mounted developing device, the rotation angle of the rotator is smallest. Part is desirable.
According to such an image forming apparatus, when the rotation angle of the rotating body at the time of removing the developing device attached to the one attaching / detaching portion is the smallest, the image forming apparatus is attached to one attaching / detaching portion among the plurality of attaching / detaching portions. It is possible to remove the installed developing device quickly. And since the developing device is mounted only on this one attaching / detaching portion, it is possible to remove the mounted developing device most efficiently.
[0016]
In such an image forming apparatus, the rotation angle is desirably 90 ° or less.
According to such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to remove the mounted developing device only by rotating the rotating body by １ ／, and it is possible to reduce the time spent for removing the developing device.
[0017]
In such an image forming apparatus, when the rotating body is configured to be rotatable only in one direction, the rotating body is rotated in only one direction, so that control is easy and the positions of the rotating body and the developer container are accurately positioned. It is possible to reduce the amount of rotation of the rotating body when removing the mounted developing device, thereby shortening the required time while having a configuration capable of performing the above operation.
[0018]
In this image forming apparatus, when the rotating body is located at the home position in a state where the developing device is mounted on only one of the plurality of detachable portions, the one detachable portion is Preferably, of the plurality of attachment / detachment units, attachment / detachment units other than the attachment / detachment unit closest to the image carrier.
According to such an image forming apparatus, when the rotating body is located at the home position, the mounted developing device mounted on one of the attachment / detachment units is located away from the image carrier, and thus forms an image. In this case, the rotating body always rotates from the home position of the rotating body to the developing position where the developing device faces the image carrier. Therefore, if one detachable portion is configured to be a detachable portion other than the detachable portion closest to the image carrier when the rotating member is at the home position, the developing device is housed in the developing device during the rotating operation of the rotating member. It is possible to stir the developed developer to maintain it in an appropriate state, and thus it is possible to form a good image.
[0019]
Further, an image carrier that carries the latent image, a rotating body that is provided with a plurality of detachable portions to which a developing device for developing the latent image is detachable and is rotatable only in one direction in the rotational direction, and provided in the developing device And an access unit for accessing the storage element, wherein the rotator is located at the home position and is in a standby position in preparation for execution of an image forming operation. In a state where the developing device is mounted on only one of the attaching and detaching portions, the rotating body is rotated from the home position so that the already-mounted developing device attached to the one attaching and detaching portion faces the image carrier. The latent image can be developed, and the rotating body rotates in the rotation direction from a home position based on a removal command for removing the mounted developing device, and the access unit is configured to be mounted on the mounted developing device. Memorial The image forming apparatus moves to an access position accessible to the storage device, and after the access unit accesses the storage element, moves the mounted developing device to a detachable position where it can be removed. When each of the developing devices is mounted, a full-color image can be formed, and the already-mounted developing device contains a black developer, and the home position differs from the removal position. Then, the access unit is accessible by contacting the storage element, and when accessing the storage element, the rotating body stops, and in the rotating direction of the rotating body, the rotating body is at the home position. An access position between a position of the mounted developing device when the developing device is located and a position of the mounted developing device when the device is positioned at the removal position; The position of the mounted developing device when it is located is set, and the one attaching / detaching portion is configured such that when the rotating body moves to the detached position to remove the mounted developing device from a home position, When the rotation angle of the rotator is 90 ° or less and the developing device is attached to only one of the plurality of attachment / detachment units, and the rotator is located at the home position, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one attachment / detachment unit is an attachment / detachment unit other than the attachment / detachment unit closest to the image carrier among the plurality of attachment / detachment units.
[0020]
According to such an image forming apparatus, the only developing device that contains the black developer and passes through the access position while the rotating body rotates 1/4 from the home position to the removal position. It can be removed. That is, since the storage element of the mounted developing device can be accessed while the rotating body makes a 1/4 rotation from the home position, the rotation amount of the rotating body when removing the mounted developing device is reduced, and It is possible to reduce the time.
[0021]
In addition, since the access section comes into contact with the storage element, it is possible to surely access the storage element, but it is possible to suppress the time spent for removing the developing device.
[0022]
Further, the computer main body, an image carrier connected to the computer main body, which carries a latent image, and a plurality of detachable portions to which a developing device for developing the latent image can be attached and detached, are rotatable in one rotation direction. A rotator, and an access unit for accessing a storage element provided in the developing device, wherein the rotator is located at a home position when waiting for execution of an image forming operation. Rotating the rotator from the home position in a state where the developing device is attached to only one of the plurality of attachment / detachment parts, and developing the already attached development attached to the one attachment / detachment part; The latent image can be developed with the device facing the image carrier, and the rotator rotates from the home position in the rotation direction based on a removal command for removing the mounted developing device, The access unit moves to an access position where the storage element of the mounted developing device can be accessed, and after the access unit accesses the storage element, the mounted developing device moves to a detachable position where the storage device can be removed. An image forming apparatus, comprising: in the rotation direction of the rotating body, the position of the mounted developing device when the rotating body is located at a home position; and when the rotating body is located at the removal position. The position of the mounted developing device at the time of being located at the access position is set between the position of the mounted developing device and the image forming system.
[0023]
=== Overview of Image Forming Apparatus (Laser Beam Printer) ===
An outline of a color laser beam printer (hereinafter, referred to as a printer) 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing main components constituting the printer 10. In FIG. 1, the vertical direction is indicated by an arrow. For example, the paper feed tray 92 is disposed at the lower part of the printer 10, and the fixing unit 90 is disposed at the upper part of the printer 10.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a charging unit 30, an exposure unit 40, and a rotating body 50 that can rotate only in one direction along a rotation direction of a photoconductor 20 as an image carrier that carries a latent image. It has a primary transfer unit 60, an intermediate transfer body 70, a cleaning unit 75, and further includes a secondary transfer unit 80, a fixing unit 90, a display unit 95 serving as a means for informing the user and comprising a liquid crystal panel, and these units. It has a control unit 100 that controls and operates as a printer.
[0025]
The photoconductor 20 has a cylindrical conductive substrate and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, is rotatable around a central axis, and rotates clockwise as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1. .
[0026]
The charging unit 30 is a device for charging the photoconductor 20, and the exposure unit 40 is a device for forming a latent image on the charged photoconductor 20 by irradiating a laser. The exposure unit 40 has a semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror, an F-θ lens, and the like, and charges a modulated laser based on an image signal input from a host device (not shown) such as a personal computer or a word processor. Irradiation is performed on the photoreceptor 20 that has been irradiated.
[0027]
A cyan developing device 51, a magenta developing device 52, a yellow developing device 53, and a black developing device 54 as developing devices for developing a latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 are mounted on the rotatable rotating body 50. Have been. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 is developed with toner T of each color as an example of a developer housed in each developing device.
[0028]
The schematic configuration of the printer 10 capable of forming a color image has been described above. Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.
The printer 10 as the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment operates as a printer that forms a monochromatic image on a medium using the mounted developing device in a state where only one developing device is mounted. In the example shown in FIG. 2, only the black developing device 54 is mounted on the rotating body 50, and the printer 10 can form a monochrome image on a medium in such a state. In FIG. 2, the vertical direction is indicated by an arrow as in FIG.
[0029]
Conventional image forming apparatuses can form a single-color image unless a plurality of developing devices containing toners of different colors are mounted on a rotating body so that a color image can be formed at any time. It has become.
On the other hand, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can be used as a monochrome printer by mounting, for example, only the black developing device 54 containing black toner on the printer body.
[0030]
The details will be described below. The rotator 50 has a plurality of attachment / detachment sections to which the developing device can be attached / detached. In the present embodiment, four attachment / detachment portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d are provided, and are rotatable about a central axis 50e. The black developing device 54 is mounted on the detachable portion 50d, which is one of the four detachable portions. Then, when performing image formation, the black developing device 54 moves to a position facing the photoconductor 20 by rotating the rotating body 50. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 is developed with the black toner T stored in the black developing device 54. Details of the black developing device 54 will be described later.
[0031]
The primary transfer unit 60 is a device for transferring the monochromatic toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 to the intermediate transfer body 70.
The intermediate transfer member 70 is an endless belt having a PET film provided with an aluminum vapor-deposited layer on the surface thereof and a semiconductive paint laminated on the surface thereof.
The secondary transfer unit 80 is a device for transferring the monochromatic toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 to a medium such as paper, film, cloth, or the like.
The fixing unit 90 is a device for fusing a single-color toner image transferred onto a medium to a medium such as paper to form a permanent image.
[0032]
The cleaning unit 75 is provided between the primary transfer unit 60 and the charging unit 30 and has a rubber cleaning blade 76 in contact with the surface of the photoconductor 20. After the toner image is transferred to the photosensitive member 20, the cleaning blade 76 scrapes and removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive member 20.
[0033]
The control unit 100 includes a main controller 101 and a unit controller 102 as shown in FIG. 3. The main controller 101 receives an image signal and a control signal, and responds to a command based on the image signal and the control signal. A unit controller 102 controls each of the units to form an image.
[0034]
Next, the operation of the printer 10 thus configured will be described with reference to other components.
First, when an image signal and a control signal from a host device (not shown) are input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via the interface (I / F) 112, the unit controller 102 based on an instruction from the main controller 101 Under the control, the photosensitive member 20, the developing roller as a toner carrier provided in the developing device, and the intermediate transfer member 70 rotate. The photoconductor 20 is sequentially charged by the charging unit 30 at the charging position while rotating.
[0035]
The charged area of the photoconductor 20 reaches the exposure position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and the exposure unit 40 forms a latent image corresponding to image information in the area. In addition, the rotating body 50 rotates so that the developing roller 510 (FIG. 4) of the black developing device 54 containing the black toner is located at the developing position facing the photoconductor 20. FIG. 2 shows a developing position where the developing roller of the black developing device 54 and the photoconductor 20 face each other.
[0036]
The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches a developable position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is developed by the black developing device 54. As a result, a toner image is formed on the photoconductor 20.
[0037]
The toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the primary transfer position with the rotation of the photoconductor 20, and is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60. At this time, a primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer unit 60. During this time, the secondary transfer unit 80 is separated from the intermediate transfer body 70.
[0038]
The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 70 reaches the secondary transfer position as the intermediate transfer member 70 rotates, and is transferred to the medium by the secondary transfer unit 80. The paper as a medium is conveyed from a paper feed tray 92 to a secondary transfer unit 80 via a paper feed roller 94 and a registration roller 96. When performing the transfer operation, the secondary transfer unit 80 is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 70 and a secondary transfer voltage is applied.
[0039]
The toner image transferred to the sheet is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 90 and fused to the sheet.
[0040]
On the other hand, after the primary transfer position has passed, the toner adhering to the surface of the photoconductor 20 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 76 supported by the cleaning unit 75, and the photoconductor 20 is charged for forming the next latent image. Prepare. The scraped-off toner is collected in a residual toner collecting unit provided in the cleaning unit 75.
The photoconductor 20 is unitized together with the charging unit 30 and the cleaning unit 75, and is detachable from the printer 10.
[0041]
=== Overview of Black Developing Device ===
Next, an outline of the black developing device will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing main components of the black developing device. Note that, like FIG. 2, FIG. 4 also indicates the vertical direction by arrows. FIGS. 2 and 4 show a state in which the black developing device 54 is located at a developing position where the developing roller of the black developing device 54 faces the photoconductor 20.
[0042]
The black developing device 54 includes a developing roller 510 as a developer carrier, a seal member 520, a toner container 530, a housing 540, a toner supply roller 550 for supplying toner to the developing roller 510, and a toner layer of the developing roller 510. It has a regulating blade 560 for regulating the layer thickness, a blade back member 570 for urging the regulating blade, and the like.
[0043]
The developing roller 510 rotates around the central axis, carries the toner T, and transports the toner T to a position facing the photoconductor 20. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the developing roller 510 rotates in a direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 4) opposite to the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 (clockwise in FIG. 4). Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the developing roller 510 of the black developing device 54 and the photoconductor 20 face each other with an interval. That is, the black developing device 54 develops the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 in a non-contact state. When developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20, an alternating electric field is formed between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20.
[0044]
The seal member 520 prevents the toner T in the black developing device 54 from leaking out of the device and collects the toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed the developing position without scraping the toner T into the developing device. The seal member 520 is a sheet made of a polyethylene film or the like, and is pressed against the developing roller 510 by the elastic force of a seal urging member 524 provided on the side opposite to the developing roller 510 side.
[0045]
The toner storage portion 530 is a portion that stores the toner T, and is configured by a part of the housing 540.
The toner supply roller 550 has a function of supplying the toner T, which is housed in the toner storage section 530 and is located above the toner supply roller 550, to the developing roller 510, and also removes the toner remaining on the developing roller 510 after the development. It also has the function of peeling it off. The toner supply roller 550 is made of polyurethane foam or the like, and contacts the developing roller 510 in an elastically deformed state. The toner supply roller 550 is disposed below the toner storage section 530, and the toner T stored in the toner storage section 530 is supplied to the developing roller 510 by the toner supply member 530 below the toner storage section 530. You. The toner supply roller 550 rotates in a direction (clockwise in FIG. 4) opposite to the rotation direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 4) of the developing roller 510.
[0046]
The regulating blade 560 regulates the layer thickness of the toner T carried on the developing roller 510, and also gives a charge to the toner T carried on the developing roller 510. The regulating blade 560 has a rubber portion 560a made of silicon rubber, urethane rubber, or the like, and a rubber support portion 560b made of a thin plate having a spring property such as phosphor bronze or stainless steel. The rubber portion 560a is supported by a rubber support portion 560b, and the rubber support portion 560b is supported by a pair of blade support metal plates 562 with one end thereof supported by the housing 540 via the blade support metal plate 562. Attached to. The rubber portion 560a of the regulating blade 560 is pressed against the developing roller 510 by the elastic force of the blade back member 570 and the rubber supporting portion 560b provided on the side opposite to the developing roller 510 side.
[0047]
The housing 540 is manufactured by joining a plurality of integrally molded frames (upper frame, lower frame, and the like), and has an opening at a lower portion. The developing roller 510 is disposed in this opening with a part thereof being exposed.
[0048]
In the black developing device 54 thus configured, the toner supply roller 550 supplies the toner T stored in the toner storage unit 530 to the developing roller 510 from above the toner supply roller. The toner T supplied to the developing roller 510 reaches the contact position of the regulating blade 560 with the rotation of the developing roller 510, and when passing through the contact position, the layer thickness is regulated and charge is applied. Is done. The toner T on the developing roller 510 whose layer thickness is regulated reaches a position facing the photoconductor 20 by further rotation of the developing roller 510, and is formed on the photoconductor 20 under the alternating electric field at the developing position. Provided for latent image development. The toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed the developing position by the further rotation of the developing roller 510 passes through the seal member 520 and is collected in the developing device without being scraped off by the seal member 520.
[0049]
When the image forming operation is performed, the rotator 50 rotates from the home position of the rotator 50 to position the black developing device 54 at the developing position. In the home position of the rotator 50, the yellow developing device 53 is arranged at a position closest to the photoconductor 20, and the black developing device 54 is located at a distance. For this reason, when the rotating body 50 rotates from the home position to position the black developing device 54 at the developing position, the toner supply roller 550 supplying the toner at the home position of the rotating body at the home position moves downward. At the position. Therefore, by rotating the rotating body 50 from the home position to the developing position of the black developing device 54, it is possible to stir the toner in the toner storage unit 530 without fail. Can be supplied efficiently. In particular, by arranging the black developing device 54 at a position away from the photoconductor 20 at the home position of the rotating body 50, when performing an image forming operation with only the black developing device 54 mounted, The toner in the black developing device 54 can be reliably stirred and supplied to the developing roller 510 to form a good image.
[0050]
Further, the black developing device 54 has a nonvolatile storage memory (hereinafter, referred to as a serial EEPROM) as a storage element in which color information of the stored toner and information about the developing device such as toner consumption are stored as data. , Developing device side memory) 54a. The developing device side memory 54a has a connector 54b and is provided at one end of the developing device. When the black developing device 54 is attached or a removal command is input, the memory of the developing device side and the main body side memory are stored. Information is read or rewritten. For example, when the black developing device 54 is newly mounted, information such as the remaining amount of toner in the developing device is read from the developing device side memory 54a, and the information in the main body side memory is rewritten.
[0051]
The black developing device used when used as a monochrome printer with only the black developing device mounted thereon has been described as an example.However, each developing device containing cyan, magenta, and yellow toner used when used as a color printer is described. The configuration is the same also in.
[0052]
=== Overview of control unit ===
Next, the configuration of the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The main controller 101 of the control unit 100 includes a CPU 111, an interface 112 for connecting to a host device (not shown), and an image memory 113 for storing an image signal input from the host device.
[0053]
The unit controller 102 includes a CPU 120, a memory 124 such as a ROM, a RAM, and an EEPROM, an input / output port 123 connected to the HP detection unit 31, and each unit of the apparatus main body (the charging unit 30, the exposure unit 40, The unit 35, the primary transfer unit 60, the cleaning unit 75, the secondary transfer unit 80, the fixing unit 90, the display unit 95) and drive control circuits 131 to 138 for controlling the drive of each developing device.
[0054]
The CPU 111 of the main controller 101 controls reading and reading of image data input through the interface into and from the image memory 113, and synchronizes with the CPU 120 of the unit controller 102 based on a control signal input from the host device. It is in charge of overall control. The CPU 120 of the unit controller 102 is electrically connected to each of the drive control circuits 131 to 139, and controls each of the drive control circuits 131 to 139 based on a control signal from the CPU 111 of the main controller 101. That is, by receiving signals from the sensors and the HP detection unit 31 provided in each unit, the state of each unit and the black developing device 54 is detected, and based on the signal input from the main controller 101, the charging unit 30 , The exposure unit 40, the black developing device 54, the rotator driving unit, the primary transfer unit 60, the cleaning unit 75, the secondary transfer unit 80, the fixing unit 90, and the display unit 95. In the present embodiment, a case where only the black developing device is mounted and used as a monochrome printer is described, but when used as a color printer, the cyan developing device 51, the magenta developing device 52, and the yellow developing device 53 are mounted. In this case, these developing devices are controlled in the same manner as the black developing device 54.
[0055]
The CPU 120 included in the unit controller 102 is connected via a serial interface (I / F) 121 to a nonvolatile storage element 122 (hereinafter, referred to as a main body side memory) such as a serial EEPROM used for an electronic counter. The main body side memory 122 stores data necessary for device control. The CPU 120 is connected not only to the main unit side memory 122 but also to a developing unit side memory 54 a provided in the black developing unit 54 via the serial interface 121. And a chip select signal CS can be input to the developing device side memory 54a via the input / output port 123. Therefore, after the predetermined developing device is moved to the connector attaching / detaching position and the connector of the developing device is connected to the common connector 34 of the main body, it is possible to read data from the memory designated by the chip select signal CS. Become. Further, the CPU 120 is also connected to the HP detection unit 31 via the input / output port 123.
[0056]
=== Position of black developing device with rotation of rotating body ===
Next, the position of the black developing device 54 associated with the rotation of the rotating body 50 will be described with reference to FIG.
The rotating body 50 has a rotating shaft 50e located at the center thereof, and the rotating shaft 50e is bridged between two frame side plates (not shown) forming a housing of the printer 10, and has both ends thereof. The part is supported. The rotating body 50 is provided with four detachable portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d that detachably hold the developing device around the rotating shaft 50e at 90 ° intervals in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, only the black developing device 54 is mounted on the attaching / detaching portion 50d, and the printer 10 is configured to be used as a monochrome printer as described above.
The rotating shaft 50e is connected to a pulse motor constituting the rotating body drive unit 35. By driving the pulse motor, the rotating body 50 is rotated in one direction to position the black developing device 54 at a predetermined position. I can do it.
[0057]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating four stop positions of the rotating rotator 50, and FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a home position (hereinafter, also referred to as “HP”) serving as a reference position in the rotation direction of the rotator 50. 5B shows an access position where the memory of the black developing device 54 can be accessed, and FIG. 5C shows a take-out position of the black developing device.
5B and 5C, the access position and the take-out position of the developing device are shown for the black developing device 54. However, when four developing devices are mounted on the printer 10 so as to form a color image, When the rotating body 50 is rotated by 90 °, the access position in another developing device and the take-out position of the developing device are sequentially set.
[0058]
<<<< Home Position >>>>
As shown in FIG. 5A, an HP detection unit 31 for detecting a home position is provided at one end of a rotation shaft 50e of the rotating body 50. The HP detection unit 31 is fixed to one end of the rotation shaft 50e, and includes a signal generating disk 311 provided with a slit 313 at a predetermined position, a photo interrupter having a light emitting unit, a light receiving unit, and the like. And an HP sensor 312. The periphery of the disk 311 is located between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the HP sensor 312, and is arranged so as to block the light emitted by the light emitting unit. When the disk rotates together with the rotating body 50 and the slit 313 provided in the disk reaches between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, the output signal from the HP sensor 312 changes from “L” to “H”, and the rotating body 50 Stops. This stop position is the home position. That is, based on the change in the signal level, the home position of the rotating body 50 is detected, and the rotation amount of the rotating body 50 is controlled by inputting a predetermined number of pulses to the pulse motor based on the home position, thereby controlling the rotation amount of the rotating body 50. The rotating body 50 is stopped at an access position where the developing device 54 can access the developing device side memory 54 a, a developing position for developing with the black developing device 54, and a take-out position where the black developing device 54 can be removed.
[0059]
FIG. 5B shows an access position where the connector 54b and the common connector 34 can be fitted to rotate the pulse motor by a predetermined number of pulses from the home position and access the developing device side memory 54a of the black developing device 54. ing.
On the printer main body side, a common connector 34 is provided as an access unit that is fitted to the connector 54b and is used by the unit controller 102 on the main body side to access the developing device side memory 54a. The common connector 34 is provided so as to be movable, and when the rotating body 50 rotates as necessary and stops at an access position where the connector 54b and the common connector 34 face each other, the common connector 34 is connected to the connector 54b. Move in the direction and fit. When the access is completed, the common connector 34 moves in a direction away from the connector 54b. That is, the connector 54b of the black developing device 54 and the common connector 34 are fitted as needed at the access position, the developing device side memory 54a and the unit controller 102 are electrically connected, and the unit controller 102 It becomes possible to access the device side memory 54a. When a developing device containing cyan, magenta, and yellow toners is mounted and used as a color printer, the common connector 34 connects the developing devices 53, 53 at a position rotated by 90 degrees from the access position. It becomes possible to access the developing device side memories 53a, 52a, 51a provided in 52, 51.
[0060]
<<<< Removal position of black developing device >>>>
An outlet 37 through which one developing device can pass is provided on one of the two frame side plates that support the rotating body 50 and form the housing of the printer 10. When the rotating body 50 is rotated to stop the black developing device 54 at a preset take-out position, for example, as shown in FIG. It is formed at a position where it can be pulled out in the direction along 50e. For this reason, the outlet 37 is formed slightly larger than the outer shape of the developing device, and at the take-out position, a new developing device enters through the outlet 37 in the direction along the rotating shaft 50a and is attached to the rotating body 50. It is also possible. While the developing device is located at a position other than the removal position, the removal of the developing device is regulated by the frame side plate.
A lock mechanism (not shown) is provided to securely position and fix the rotating body 50 at the above-described home position, access position, developing position, and take-out position.
[0061]
=== Operation of the rotating body when the black developing device is removed ===
Since the removal of the black developing device is performed, for example, when the black developing device is replaced, the operation of the rotating body 50 when the black developing device is replaced will be described.
The printer shown in this embodiment is used as a monochrome printer with only the black developing device mounted. For this reason, only the black developing device 54 is mounted on the rotating body 50 in the attaching / detaching portion 50d.
[0062]
The replacement of the black developing device 54 is executed by a user or the like based on an input unit provided in the device or a replacement command input from a host device connected to the device. The replacement command can be input at any timing, but when the printer 10 receives this command, the rotating body 50 is at the home position.
[0063]
When the replacement instruction of the black developing device 54 is received, the rotating body 50 is rotated counterclockwise by 45 ° from the home position to the access position and stopped. At the access position, the connector 54b and the common connector 34 are fitted together, for example, information indicating an event of removing the black developing device 54 is stored in the main body side memory 122, and the main unit side controller is stored in the developing side memory 54a. Information such as the remaining amount of toner calculated based on the information stored in 102 is stored.
[0064]
After accessing the developing device side memory 54a at the access position, the mated common connector 34 is released from the connector 54b, and the rotating body 50 is rotated counterclockwise by 202.5 ° from the access position to the removal position. And stop. At this time, the black developing device 54 is disposed at the back of the outlet 37 and is removable.
[0065]
Thereafter, the user is notified that the black developing device 54 can be replaced by the display unit 95 provided in the printer 10 or a host device connected to the device.
When the user who confirms the notification opens the outer cover of the printer 10, the power supply line on the high voltage side is shut off in conjunction with the cover. When the user removes the attached black developing device 54, attaches a new black developing device, and closes the exterior cover, the printer 10 is supplied with electric power, executes the initialization process, and then rotates the rotating body 50 to the home position. Move to position.
[0066]
Although the printer 10 as the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment has a plurality of attachment / detachment sections, it is set so that only the black developing device 54 is mounted on the rotating body 50 and can form a monochrome image. ing. For this reason, it is natural that only the black developing device 54 may be removed. However, when the rotating body 50 rotates, the home position, the access position, the removal position, and the rotating body sequentially move in the rotating direction. With this configuration, it is possible to sequentially position the rotating body 50 at the access position and the removal position along the rotation direction of the rotating body 50. Therefore, it is possible to remove the black developing device 54 in a short time without increasing the rotation amount of the rotating body 50 just for removing the black developing device 54. In particular, in the developing device side memory 54a of the present embodiment, when the rotating body 50 is stopped at a predetermined position, the connector 54b and the common connector 34 are fitted to each other and can be accessed. Will also spend time. Therefore, it is effective to reduce the amount of rotation of the rotating body 50 to shorten the required time.
[0067]
Further, as a method for reducing the time spent for removing the black developing device 54, there is a method of positioning the home position, the access position, and the removal position closer to each other. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the rotation angle from the home position to the removal position is within 90 °.
[0068]
As shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the rotation angle at which the rotating body 50 rotates from the home position to the access position is 45 °, and the rotating angle at which the rotating body 50 rotates from the access position to the removal position is 45 °, The rotation angle when the rotating body 50 moves from the home position to the removal position can be set to 90 °. That is, when the black developing device 54 is removed, it is possible to access the developing device side memory 54a and take out the black developing device 54 by disposing the black developing device 54 at the back of the outlet 37 while rotating the rotating body 50 by 90 °. Become. For this reason, it is possible to further reduce the rotation amount of the rotating body 50 when removing the black developing device, and to reduce the time spent for removing the black developing device 54. At this time, the rotation angle of the rotator 50 from the home position to the access position and the rotation angle of the rotator 50 from the access position to the removal position are not limited to 45 °, and the rotation angle is made as small as possible. The time spent removing the black developing device 54 can be further reduced. Further, even when the developing device is attached to each of the four attachment / detachment portions provided in the printer 10, the developing device can be detached by rotating the rotating body 50 within 90 degrees from the home position as described above. With this configuration, all four developing devices can be removed and replaced while the rotating body 50 makes one rotation, and these operations can be completed in a short time.
[0069]
In the present embodiment, a printer capable of developing a latent image using the black developing device in a state in which only the black developing device is mounted on the rotating body has been described. The developing device is not limited to the black developing device, and may be a developing device in which toners of other colors such as yellow, magenta, and cyan are stored.
[0070]
=== Other Embodiments ===
As described above, the image forming apparatus and the like according to the present invention have been described based on one embodiment. However, the above embodiment of the present invention is for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and limits the present invention. is not. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.
[0071]
In the above-described embodiment, an intermediate transfer type laser beam printer has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is applicable to various image forming apparatuses such as a laser beam printer copying machine other than the intermediate transfer type, and a facsimile. Applicable.
[0072]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the device main body side connector is brought into contact with the developing device side connector to perform communication between the developing device side memory and the device main body. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, the communication may be performed without bringing the members on the developing device side into contact with the members on the apparatus main body side.
[0073]
Also, the photoconductor is not limited to a so-called photosensitive roller configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical conductive substrate, but is configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the surface of a belt-shaped conductive substrate. , A so-called photosensitive belt.
[0074]
<<< Configuration of Image Forming System, etc. >>>
Next, an embodiment of an image forming system which is an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0075]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an external configuration of the image forming system. The image forming system 700 includes a computer 702, a display device 704, a printer 706, an input device 708, and a reading device 710. In the present embodiment, the computer 702 is housed in a mini-tower type housing, but is not limited to this. As the display device 704, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube: cathode ray tube), a plasma display, a liquid crystal display device, or the like is generally used, but the display device 704 is not limited to this. As the printer 706, the printer described above is used. In the present embodiment, a keyboard 708A and a mouse 708B are used as the input device 708, but the input device 708 is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, the reading device 710 uses the flexible disk drive device 710A and the CD-ROM drive device 710B, but is not limited thereto. For example, a MO (Magneto Optical) disk drive device or a DVD (Digital Versatile) is used. Disk).
[0076]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG. An internal memory 802 such as a RAM and an external memory such as a hard disk drive unit 804 are further provided in a housing in which the computer 702 is housed.
[0077]
In the above description, an example is described in which the printer 706 is connected to the computer 702, the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710 to form an image forming system. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the image forming system may include the computer 702 and the printer 706, and the image forming system does not need to include any of the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710.
[0078]
Further, for example, the printer 706 may have some of the functions or mechanisms of the computer 702, the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710. As an example, the printer 706 includes an image processing unit for performing image processing, a display unit for performing various displays, and a recording medium attaching / detaching unit for attaching / detaching a recording medium for recording image data captured by a digital camera or the like. It is good also as composition which has.
[0079]
The image forming system realized in this way is a system superior to the conventional system as a whole.
[0080]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of quickly removing the only mounted developing device and a computer system including the image forming apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing main components constituting an image forming apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing main components of a printer as a monochrome printer in which only a black developing device is mounted as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing main components of the black developing device.
5A is a diagram showing a home position that is a reference position in the rotation direction of the rotating body, FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an access position where a memory of the black developing device can be accessed, and FIG. 5C is a black developing device. It is a figure which shows the extraction position.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the rotation angle of the rotating body from the home position to the removal position is set to 90 ° or less.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of the image forming system.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 7;
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10 laser beam printer (body) 20 photoconductor
30 charging unit 31 HP detector
311 Disk 312 HP sensor
313 slit 34 common connector
35 Rotating body drive unit 40 Exposure unit
50 rotating body
50a, 50b, 50c, 50d Detachable part
50e rotating shaft 51 cyan developing device
51a, 52a, 53a, 54a Storage element (developing device side memory)
51b, 52b, 53b, 54b Connector
52 magenta developing device 53 yellow developing device
54 Black developing device 60 Primary transfer unit
70 Intermediate transfer member 75 Cleaning unit
76 Cleaning blade 80 Secondary transfer unit
90 Fixing unit 92 Paper tray
94 Paper feed roller 95 Display unit
96 registration roller 100 control unit
101 Main controller 111 CPU
112 Interface 113 Image memory
120 CPU 121 Serial interface
122 Main unit side memory 123 I / O port
124 memory 131 charging unit drive control circuit
132 Exposure unit drive control circuit 133 Developing device drive control circuit
134 Rotating body drive control circuit
135 Primary transfer unit drive control circuit
136 Secondary transfer unit drive control circuit
137 Fixing unit drive control circuit 138 Display unit drive control circuit
510 Developing roller 520 Seal member
522 Seal support sheet metal 524 Seal urging member
530 Toner container 540 Housing
550 toner supply roller 560 regulating blade
560a rubber part 560b rubber support part
562 Blade support sheet metal 570 Blade back member
700 Image forming system 702 Computer body
704 Display device 706 Printer
708 input device 708A keyboard
708B Mouse 710 Reader
710A Flexible disk drive device
710B CD-ROM drive 802 Internal memory
804 hard disk drive unit
T toner

Claims (11)

An image carrier for carrying a latent image,
A rotating body that is provided with a plurality of detachable attachment / detachment units where a developing device for developing the latent image is attachable and detachable and is rotatable in one rotation direction;
An access unit for accessing a storage element provided in the developing device, and, when waiting for execution of an image forming operation, the rotating body is located at a home position,
In a state in which the developing device is mounted on only one of the plurality of mounting portions, the rotating body is rotated from the home position, and the mounted developing device mounted on the one mounting portion. The latent image can be developed by facing the image carrier,
Based on a removal command for removing the mounted developing device, the rotating body rotates in the rotation direction from a home position, and the access unit moves to an access position where the storage element of the mounted developing device can be accessed. An image forming apparatus, wherein after the access unit accesses the storage element, the mounted developing device moves to a detachable position where the mounted developing device can be removed.
In the rotation direction of the rotating body, between the position of the mounted developing device when the rotating body is located at the home position, and the position of the mounted developing device when located at the removal position, An image forming apparatus, wherein a position of the mounted developing device when the developing device is located at the access position is set. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the home position is different from the removal position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the access unit is accessible by contacting the storage element, and the rotator stops when accessing the storage element. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mounted developing device contains a black developer. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
An image forming apparatus, wherein a full-color image can be formed when the developing device is attached to each of the plurality of attachment / detachment sections. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The one attachment / detachment unit is the attachment / detachment unit that minimizes the rotation angle of the rotating body when the rotating body moves from the home position to the removal position to remove the mounted developing device. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the rotation angle is 90 ° or less. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating body is rotatable in only one direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
In a state where the developing device is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable portions,
When the rotating body is located at the home position,
The one attachment / detachment unit is an attachment / detachment unit other than the attachment / detachment unit closest to the image carrier, of the plurality of attachment / detachment units.
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image carrier for carrying a latent image,
A rotating body that includes a plurality of detachable portions in which a developing device for developing the latent image is detachable, and is rotatable in only one of the rotational directions,
An access unit for accessing a storage element provided in the developing device,
When waiting for execution of the image forming operation, the rotating body is located at the home position,
In a state in which the developing device is mounted on only one of the plurality of mounting portions, the rotating body is rotated from the home position, and the mounted developing device mounted on the one mounting portion. The latent image can be developed by facing the image carrier,
Based on a removal command for removing the mounted developing device, the rotating body rotates in the rotation direction from a home position, and the access unit moves to an access position where the storage element of the mounted developing device can be accessed. An image forming apparatus, wherein after the access unit accesses the storage element, the mounted developing device moves to a detachable position where the mounted developing device can be removed.
When the developing device is mounted on each of the plurality of attachment / detachment units, a full-color image can be formed, and the mounted developing device contains a black developer,
The home position is different from the removal position,
The access unit is accessible by contacting the storage element, and when accessing the storage element, the rotating body stops,
In the rotation direction of the rotating body, between the position of the mounted developing device when the rotating body is located at the home position, and the position of the mounted developing device when located at the removal position, The position of the already mounted developing device when it is located at the access position is set,
The one attaching / detaching portion is configured such that when the rotating body moves from the home position to the removal position to remove the mounted developing device, the rotation angle of the rotating body is 90 ° or less,
In a state where the developing device is mounted on only one of the plurality of detachable portions, when the rotating body is located at the home position,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one attachment / detachment unit is an attachment / detachment unit other than the attachment / detachment unit closest to the image carrier among the plurality of attachment / detachment units. A computer body, an image carrier that is connected to the computer body and carries a latent image, and a rotating body that includes a plurality of detachable parts to which a developing device for developing the latent image is detachably attachable and is rotatable in one rotation direction And an access unit for accessing a storage element provided in the developing device,
When waiting for execution of the image forming operation, the rotating body is located at the home position,
In a state in which the developing device is mounted on only one of the plurality of mounting portions, the rotating body is rotated from the home position, and the mounted developing device mounted on the one mounting portion. The latent image can be developed by facing the image carrier,
Based on a removal command for removing the mounted developing device, the rotating body rotates in the rotation direction from a home position, and the access unit moves to an access position where the storage element of the mounted developing device can be accessed. And an image forming apparatus that, after the access unit accesses the storage element, moves the mounted developing device to a removable position where the mounted developing device can be removed.
In the rotation direction of the rotating body, between the position of the mounted developing device when the rotating body is located at the home position, and the position of the mounted developing device when located at the removal position, An image forming system, wherein a position of the mounted developing device when the developing device is located at the access position is set.

Images